Gas generator utilizing propellant grains



y 2 1962 w. M. BuRKEs, JR 3,036,432

GAS GENERATOR UTILIZING PROPELLANT GRAINS Filed Oct. 7, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 E LE 6 TR/C POW! SUPPL Y WATER TANK T INVENTOR William M. Burke's, Jn

ATTORNEYS May 29, 1962 w. M. BURKES, JR 3,036,432

GAS GENERATOR UTILIZING PROPELLANT GRAINS Filed Oct. 7, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 2

ulll' GAS GENERATOR UTILIZING PROPELLANT GRAINS Filed Oct. '7, 1960 May 29, 1962 w. M. BURKES, JR

4 Sheets-Sheet 3 May 29, 1962 W. M. BURKES, JR

GAS GENERATOR UTILIZING PROPELLANT GRAINS Filed Oct. 7, 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 limited rates Patent ()fifice 3336,4352 Patented May 29, 1962 Filed Get. 7, 1969, Ser. No. 61,330 Claims. (Cl. (iii-39.47)

The present invention relates to generators and more particularly to a gas generator suitable for use with guided missiles.

More specifically the invention provides a new and improved gas generator or auxiliary power supply for supplying power for hydraulic and electrical operation of a missile. The generator is ignited simultaneously by intent-to-launch voltage from the launcher and provides power to drive turbines which furnish power to the turbohydraulic and turbo-electric devices of the missile. The turbo-hydraulic device is adapted to furnish regulated hydraulic power to control the tail structures, and the turboelectric device is adapted to furnish the desired electrical energy to the missile power supply and electrical circuits. The invention further provides a generator having a general purpose firing chamber for solid rocket fuels, which fuels upon ignition is used as a source of gas energy. The chamber is adaptable to various diameter and length propellant grains to give the unit a general purpose capability for gas mass flow and duration required.

Heretofore, during a test run or inadvertent operation of a missile generator, the removal of the entire hardware of the generator from the missile casing was necessitated before a replacement of a new generator could be accomplished. Should such an event occur in the device of the present invention, however, it is only necessary to replace the propellant grains and the igniter in the initial hardware of the generator in the event of a test run or inadvertent operation of the generator and since the device is water cooled numerous firings may be obtained from the initial hardware quickly and within a minimum period of time between each firing operation.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a new and improved general purpose gas generator.

Another object of the invention is to provide a gas generator adaptable to various diameter and length propellant grains to give the generator 2. general purpose capability for gas mass flow and duration required.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a water cooled gas generator operated in response to an electrical impulse.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a gas generator wherein the gas is generated upon ignition of a solid rocket fuel and, in order, to obtain numerous firing operations from the initial hardware the generator is water cooled during the burning of the fuel.

Other objects and many of the attendant advantages of this invention will be readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of the gas generator constructed in accordance with the present invention in connection with a turbo-electric supply device;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of the generator of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 33 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken on the line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view taken on the line 66 of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating an alternate arrangement of the device of FIG. 2.

Referring to the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views and more particularly to FIG. 1 thereof, the numeral 10 generally indicates the generator of the present invention in connection with a conventional electric power supply or alternator 11, such, for example, as the type used in guided missiles for supplying power to the missile electrical circuits. While the generator is illustrated in connection with an electric power supply unit it will be understood that the generator may also be used in connection with a conventional turbo-hydraulic supply which furnishes regulated hydraulic power to control the missile tail arrangement.

It will be noted in FIG. 1 that the generator 10 is in communication with a conventional pump P by way of pipes 12 and 13, which pipes supply water to the generator, the water being returned to the tank T by way of pipe 14, and the tank T being in communication with pump P, as by pipe 15. Thus, by this arrangement, water is continuously pumped through the generator while the generator is in operation. During operation of the generator, gas is supplied to the turbine 16 of the electric power supply device 11 by way of pipe 17 which is provided with a conventional gas nozzle 18 that directs the gases against the impeller blades of the turbine thereby to operate the device 11 and furnish electrical energy to the missile electrical circuits.

For a more complete understanding of the gas generator of the present invention attention is directed to FIG. 2 of the drawings wherein the generator 10 comprises a casing 19 provided with mutually spaced intake nipples 21 and 22, pipe 12 being connected to nipple 21 and pipe 13 being connected to nipple 22'. The casing 19 is provided with an outlet nipple 23 to which pipe 14 is con nected. By the aforesaid arrangement, a water circulat ing system is provided between tank T, pump P and the generator 10.

Disposed within the casing 19 in spaced relation with respect thereto is a cage assembly generally indicated by the reference character 24 and having a hemispherical portion or member 25 at one end and an annular flange 26 at the other end thereof, the flange and member being connected by a plurality of comparatively narrow strips 27 secured to the annular flange in any conventional manner such, for example as welding the parts together. The casing 19 at the upper end thereof also may be welded to the flange 26 and the member 25 thereof carries a plurality of circumferential spaced lugs 28, FIG. 4, in engagement with casing 19 for maintaining the member 25 in predetermined spaced relation with respect to the casing.

A grain diameter adapter assembly generally indicated by the numeral 29 is centrally disposed within the casing 19 and cage 24 and comprises an elongated tubular member 30 having a flange or plate 31 welded thereto at one end and a substantially hemispherical closure head 32 welded to the other end thereof. The head 32 includes a relatively thick wall having a flange 33 at one end thereof in sealing engagement with the member 25, as by an O-ring 34. The other end of the head 32 is provided with an end wall 35 in spaced relation with respect to the member 25 thereby providing a firing chamber 36, the wall 35 being maintained in spaced relationship with the member 25, as by a plurality of lugs 37, in FIG. 5, carried by member 25 in engagement with flange 33. The plate 31 is maintained in sealing engagement with the flange 26 in any conventional manner such, for example, as by an O-ring 38, the aforesaid structure being best shown on FIG. 2. The tubular member 29' is further provided with a support or spider 39, the arms 411 of which engage the strips 27, FIG. 3, thereby to provide additional support for the tubular member 36.

Disposed within member 29' is again length adapter assembly generally indicated by the reference character 42. This assembly comprises a support 43 secured to a plate 44, as by a'screw 45, the plate being disposed on flange 26 and member 31 and secured to flange 26, as by a split type clamping ring 46 having mutually spaced flanges 47 in engagement with plate 44' and flange'Zfi. The member or support 43 is provided with a centrally disposed bore 48 for slidably receiving a rod or shaft 4-9 which may be adjustably secured to the support 4-3 by a pin 51 disposed within an aperture formed in the rod 49' and in engagement with any one ofa series of openings 52 formed in support 43, as best shown on FIG. 6. A sealing member or head 53 is carried by the rod 49, the head being sealed to the tubular member 30 by a O-ring 54. Head 53 carries a solid propellant grain 55'. By the aforesaid arrangement it will be apparent that the length of the propellant may be varied to provide the desired amount of gas flow and the desired length of burning time.

An adapter or plug 56 is threaded into the casing19, as at 57 and sealed thereto by an O-ring or the like 58, and the adapter threadedly receives an igniter assembly 59. The assembly 59 carries an electroresponsive flash igniter 61 disposed within a passageway 62 formed in the casing 19 and in communication with the firing chamber 36, the assembly being sealed to the adapter 56, as by an O-ring 63. V

As more clearly shown on FIG. 2,'the member 25 is provided with a gas outlet or exit nipple 64 in communication with the firing chamber 36 and which extends through an opening 65 formed in the bottom wall 66- of the casing 19. The nipple 64 connects to pipe 17,

FIG. 1, and by reason of the nozzle 18 and upon ignition of the propellant grain 55 by the flash igniter 61, ;a continuous flow of gas is directed against the impeller blades of the turbine 16 to drive the latter, whereupon the turbo: electric device is set in operation and furnishes electrical energy to the missile electrical circuits.

Referring now to FIG. 7, it will be noted that the generator illustrated is similar to the arrangement shown in FIG. 2. However, in this arrangement a relatively large tube 67 is provided for receiving a large propellant grain 68. The tube 67 is provided with an annular flange 69, at one end and a similar flange 71, at the other end thereof, flange 69' being maintained in sealing engagement with annular flange 26 as by an O-ring 72 and flange 71 being maintained in sealing engagement with member ,25 as by an O-ring 73. It will be further noted in the arrangement of FIG. 7 that tube 67 and propellant grain 68- are spaced a substantial distance from the curved wall of member 25 thereby providing a considerably larger firing chamber 74 than the firing chamber 36 in FIG. 2.

The propellant grain 68 is carried by a disc or plate 75 disposedwithin tube 67 and secured to plate 44, as by screw 45, the plate 75 being maintained in sealing engagementwith the tube 67, as by an O-ring 7.6. The igniter assembly 77 in this arrangement isv similar to the igniter assembly of'FlG. 2. However, in this arrangement the electroresponsive flash igniter 78 is considerably larger than the igniter 61 of FIG. 2. t

It will be understood that, if desired, the member 25 may be provided with suitable insulation thereby to assure that the gases delivered will have the same characteristics as anuncooledgas generator unit. It will be further understood that, if desired, tube 67 may be provided with a heat insulating sleeve disposed therein and an inhibitor lining surrounding the grain and forming a seal between the solid fuel and the heat insulating sleeve. Thislining will prevent the grain from burning faster along the wall of the tube than ,in'the central portion thereof, the inhibitor lining being composed of sheet rubber approximately /8 of an inch thick and covered by a double layer of glass tape or the like.

From the foregoing, it will be understood that a new and improved gas generator has been devised which is adaptable to various dirmeter and length propellant grains to give the unit a general purpose capability for gas mass fiow and duration requirements and which is water cooled in order to obtain many firing-s from the same or initial hardware and to allow a lower dry weight of the unit.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced'otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed is:

l. A propellant grain gas generator comprising an outer container and a centrally disposed inner container, a cage provided with a plurality of mutually spaced strips disposed within said outer container in spaced relation with respect thereto and with respect to said inner container and having a semispherical member carried thereby at one end thereof, a closure head carried by the inner container and having an end wall in spaced relation with respect to said semispherical member and cooperating therewith for forming a firing chamber therebetween, means carried by said closure head in sealing engagement with the semispherical member for providing a sealing connection therebetween, a propellant grain mounted within the inner container in communication with said firing chamber, a rod adjustably mounted within said inner container in engagement with said propellant grain for controlling the length of the propellant grain according to the position of the rod and the gas mass flow and burning time required, a tubular support disposed within said inner container and slidably receiving said rod, means cooperating with said rod and the tubular support for maintaining the rod in adjusted positions, an electroresponsive flash igniter carried by the outer container in communication with said firing chamber for igniting said propellant grain, means in communication with the firing chamber for exhausting the gases therefrom as the propellant grain is ignited and burns, said outer container, inner container, semispherical member and closure head providing a sealed water jacket, and a spider carried by the inner container and having a plurality of arms extending radially from the inner container in engagement with said strips for additionally supporting the inner container centrally within the cage and outer container.

2. A propellant grain gas generator according to claim 1 including a closure plate mounted on said inner and outer containers, and claimping means in engagement with the containers and closure plate for clam-ping the closure plate to the containers.

3. A propellant grain gas generator comprising an outer container and an inner container and a Water jacket therebetween, a cage having a plurality of mutually spaced narrow strips disposed within the outer container in spaced relationship thereto and with the inner container, a semispherical wall carried by said strips at one end thereof, a closure head carried by said inner container and having an end wall in spaced relation with respect to said semispherical wall: for forming a firing chamber therebetween, means carried by said closure head in sealing engagement with the semispherical wall for providing a sealing connection therebetween to sealoff the firing chamber from the water jacket, means for closing and sealing the inner and outer containers, a support disposed within said inner container and carried by the closure plate and having a centrally disposed bore therein, a rod adjustably mounted in said bore for controlling the length of said propellant grain according to the gas mass flow and burning time required, a plurality of mutually spaced openings in said rod, complementary openings in said support, a pin disposed within said openings for adjusting said rod within the support, an eleetroresponsive flash igniter carried by the outer container in communication with the firing chamber and alignment with the propellant grain for igniting the propellant grain, means in communication with the firing chamber for exhausting gases therefrom as the propellant grain is ignited and burns, and port means in the outer container in com-munication with the water jacket for allowing water to be circulated about said inner container, semispherioal wall and the closure head.

4. A propellant grain gas generator according to claim 3 including a spider carried by the inner container and having a plurality of arms engageable with said strips for additionally supporting the inner container centrally within the cage and outer container.

5. A gas generating and power supply system comprising an outer sealed casing, a water jacket within the casing, an inner container disposed within the casing and sealed-ofi [from the water jacket, a cage having a plurality of mutually spaced strips disposed within the casing, a semispherical member carried by said strips at one end thereof, a closure head carried by said inner container and having an end wall in spaced relationship with respeot to said semispherical member and forming a firing and gas chamber therebetween, means on said closure head in engagement with the semispherical member for sealing-oft the firing and gas chamber, means including a pump connected to the casing in communication with the water jacket for causing Water to be circulated therethrough, gas generating means disposed within said firing and gas chamber and sealed-01f from the water jacket, a rod adjustably mounted within the inner container in engagement with said gas generating means for controlling the length of the gas generating means, a tubular support disposed within the inner container and slidably re ceiving said rod, means cooperating with said rod and the tubular support for maintaining the rod in adjusted positions, a turbine in communication with said chamoer and operated in response to gas generated from the gas generating means as the generating means is activated, means carried by the casing and sealed-off from the water jacket and disposed within the chamber for activating the gas generating means, and power supply means connected to and operated by said turbine.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,552,272 Carner Sept. 1, 1925 2,529,465 Wallace et a1. Nov. 7, 1950 2,597,641 Hull a- May 20, 1952 2,661,595 Kuller et al. Dec. 8, 1953 2,695,365 McLean Nov. 23, 1954 2,987,881 Mullane June 13, 1961 FOREIGN PATENTS 685,234 Great Britain Dec. 31, 1952 

